Add vibrant color and charm to your garden with Ruffled Red Eggplant ‘Pumpkin on a Stick’, a unique variety of Solanum melongena celebrated for its bright orange-red, pumpkin-shaped fruits. This plant is both edible and ornamental, making it a favorite among home gardeners, florists, and cooks alike.

The small, ribbed fruits resemble miniature pumpkins and are often used in fall arrangements, dried floral displays, or as decorative accents. When harvested young, they can be cooked like traditional eggplants, offering a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This non-GMO heirloom variety thrives in warm weather and adapts well to containers or garden beds.

Features

• Dual-Purpose Variety: Both ornamental and edible.
• Vibrant Appearance: Produces small, bright red-orange fruits that resemble pumpkins.
• Compact Growth: Ideal for container gardening or small spaces.
• Great for Decor: Popular in dried arrangements and fall-themed displays.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Safe and naturally cultivated.
• Easy to Grow: Suitable for beginner and experienced gardeners.

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Solanum melongena ‘Pumpkin on a Stick’
• Common Name: Ruffled Red Eggplant, Pumpkin on a Stick, Ornamental Eggplant
• Plant Type: Annual edible/ornamental
• Fruit Shape: Round and deeply ribbed (mini pumpkin-like)
• Fruit Color: Green turning orange-red when mature
• Plant Height: 24–36 inches
• Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
• Watering Needs: Consistent moisture; do not overwater
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 70–80 days
• Temperature Range: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• USDA Zones: 4–11 (grown as annual)
• Fertilizer Needs: Balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks
• GMO Status: Non-GMO

Planting Guide

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix and keep warm (70–85°F).
• Transplant outdoors after frost risk passes and soil has warmed.
• Space plants 18–24 inches apart in well-drained soil.
• Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
• Harvest fruits when fully colored and firm for decor or when smaller for cooking.

Care Tips

• Provide support or staking for heavy fruit-laden stems.
• Remove lower leaves to improve air circulation.
• For decor use, harvest when the fruits are bright red and allow them to dry naturally.
• For culinary use, pick fruits when still tender and greenish-orange.